3.1.14 Friday Kumbija.

The road to Soma is almost complete now and we were not in a hurry to get to Kumbija as the school is still closed for the holidays.  We got up and had breakfast and then loaded the truck before setting off around 10am.  The new truck is very comfortable, quiet and reliable, so the journey was uneventful until we reached Soma, where we found the queue for the ferry had been moved nearer the town as they were also renovating the actual road down to the ferry.  There were no wagons, which is very unusual as this is the main highway between Senegal and Gambia for trade. We were able to pass by and stand near the terminal and only waited about an hour before a ferry arrived and we were able to cross.  At the other side there was also no wagons and only a few cars waiting to get on the ferry.  Apparently there is some problem in Senegal and the border has been closed, no-one is travelling at the moment, unfortunately this also means that many supplies are not arriving in Gambia, including cement.  We arrived in Farafenni, did some shopping and then had lunch before driving to Loumen with a delivery of items needed for the new term.  Tamba the caretaker met us and we were able to unload everything into the office.  We then drove on to Kumbija, where we were staying for the night.  Alieu the teacher let us into the school as the caretaker is on holiday until tomorrow.  We assembled our beds for the night and then Mr Sowe came to see us before our dinner arrived.  Poor man, he has not slept all week, worrying about the naming ceremony tomorrow.  We let him go and then showered before dinner which had been cooked by Ousman's daughter and delivered by Alagie his brother. A delicious meal of vegetables and rice consumed under the stars before bedtime.